Marzipan, or almond paste, is usually used to cover cakes before they are iced. Although you can buy marzipan ready-made in blocks, it is easy to make at home. This recipe from Tala is simple to follow.

Shopping List

• 250g icing sugar
• 2 small eggs, lightly beaten
• 250g caster sugar
• 1 small lemon, juice only
• 500g ground almonds
• 5ml pure almond essence

Method

• Sift the icing sugar into a mixing bowl and stir in the caster sugar and ground almonds.
• Add the lemon juice and almond essence and stir in the eggs, bit by bit, to make a stiff dough
• Roll into a ball and knead lightly. The paste should be pliable but not overworked or oozing oil.

Tala have been Masters of Baking and Icing since 1899. Visit www.talacooking.com for more recipes.